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Flick Slams FIFA for Raphinha's Best XI Snub

12/20/2025

30 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Hansi Flick, Barcelona coach, condemned FIFA's exclusion of Raphinha from the 2025 Best XI as "not fair" and a "joke."
Raphinha has 34 goals and 26 assists this season, though he was overlooked in favor of Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
Pedri is sidelined with a quadriceps issue, risking a two-month absence.
Barcelona leads La Liga by four points and hopes Pedri returns for the January 3 derby with Espanyol.

History

Historical Context

FIFA's World Player of the Year award, established in 1991, faced controversy in 1995 when several top players were excluded, prompting debates about selection biases. George Weah, the first African winner, underscored these issues. Hansi Flick's recent remarks on Raphinha's omission from the 2025 Best XI reflect ongoing concerns about fairness in player recognition, highlighting the need for reform in award processes.

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Story summary

Hansi Flick, Barcelona coach, condemned FIFA's exclusion of Raphinha from the 2025 Best XI as "not fair" and a "joke."
Raphinha has 34 goals and 26 assists this season, though he was overlooked in favor of Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
Pedri is sidelined with a quadriceps issue, risking a two-month absence.
Barcelona leads La Liga by four points and hopes Pedri returns for the January 3 derby with Espanyol.

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